A few years ago a gentleman had occasion to visit a little town. He missed the train by which he intended to return, and finding that he had two hours to wait before another train for home should arrive, he bought a magazine. Comfortably seating himself in the waiting room, he was soon absorbed in a story.
A little later two young men entered and seated themselves not far from him. The elder of the two had sometime before been brought to know the Lord, while his companion had only the day before found Christ as his Savior. In glowing language he was telling of his newly-found joy.
Quite unintentionally, the subject of our story overheard their conversation. He listened at first with the quiet smile of one who hears the ravings of an enthusiast; but the joyful earnestness of the speaker made him feel the reality of the words which he uttered, and they took a firm hold upon him.
At last he rose and left the waiting room; but still he seemed to hear the young voice repeating its bright testimony. His own heart craved rest—happiness—something certain to cling to in this world of shadows and unreality. If Christ, he thought, could give such joy and happiness as these two young men possessed, how willingly would he surrender his fortune, his all, to be the possessor of such a treasure!
His train arrived and he left the station; but the impression which he had received remained. For some time he was in a state of deep anguish of soul—an anguish bordering on despair. He was as one walking in a labyrinth, who cannot find the clue to the way home.
How blessed it is to know that every longing of the soul, aimless and wandering as it may seem, is marked by the gracious eye of the Lord! He never for one moment ceases in His care for the poor weary heart, which it is His desire to fill with His own peace.
Often did that gentleman wish that he might see again those young men whose testimony had awakened him to a sense of his distance from God and need of His grace. He had no idea who or where they were but one afternoon, about three months following the incident in the railway station, the thought struck him that perhaps they lived in the town where he had seen them. He determined to try to locate them. Having bought a ticket for that place, he was soon speeding on his way, with many a misgiving lest his journey should be in vain.
The train stopped at the first station. A passenger entered, and our traveler, glancing at him, immediately asked himself: Where had he seen that face before? Yes, surely he could not be mistaken; he had already found one whom he sought. His fellow-traveler was none other than the elder of the two young men who had conversed together in the waiting room three months ago.
He introduced himself and told his story to a willing listener. How gladly he pointed him to Jesus who came to seek and to save the lost!
The train again stopped. The seeker after Christ and his companion stepped upon the platform. There in that waiting room, where the Lord first spoke to his soul, the sin-sick traveler on life's journey found in Jesus his heart's desire. Peace, rest and happiness were his as he too entered into the joy of the Lord.